Events Calendar

On Wednesday, January 7, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents Artists’ Business Practices with David Hardaker. The free program begins at 5:45 at Avis Frank Gallery, 1606 White Oak Dr.

Mr. Hardaker studied at the Eleanor Street School of Art and the Blackpool College of Art before embarking on a career as an artist. Professional for twelve years and involved in art related promotion for two decades, Mr. Hardaker embraces the power that art brings to any situation whether it be raising funds for charity, furthering the career of an artist, or being a part of the regeneration of a city. He is the owner of Avis Frank Gallery.

The talk will cover professional practices for artists and include the following:

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

The mission of the Museum is to promote, preserve, and share the knowledge of printed communication and art as the greatest contributors to the development of the civilized world and the continuing advancement of freedom and literacy.

Featured in the July 2006 issue of Texas Highways, the Museum is described as “a honeycomb of intimate gallery spaces . . . with a stunning collection of objects and artifacts devoted to the history, science, and art of printing." The portrait of the Museum concludes with the observation that "printed text may be taken for granted these days, but a visit to the Museum of Printing History somehow makes it seem magical once again.”

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

On Wednesday, March 4, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) offers members and guests a rare insight into a juror’s selection process for art competitions with a discussion by three prominent figures and frequent jurors in the Houston art world. Nicole Longnecker, owner of Nicole Longnecker Gallery; Dennis Nance, director of exhibitions and programming at the Lawndale Art Center; and Patrick Palmer, Glassell School of Art, Studio School Faculty Chair/Dean; will participate in an open discussion of a juror’s selection process. The presentation begins at 5:45 p.m. in the auditorium of The Glassell School of Art, 5101 Montrose Boulevard, 77006.

The three speakers, all of whom have been jurors for VAA, will discuss their selection processes when judging a competition. Previously submitted works will be projected for the audience, and panelists will discuss the selection/elimination process applied to each work. Artists will discover the whys and hows of selection from a juror’s point of view, including the constants of technique and presentation as well as the unique personal biases of jurors.

“VAA is so pleased to be able to present this first-hand look into a juror’s thought process. Every artist who has ever entered a competition wonders what makes a piece worthy of selection. What does a juror look for? How does a juror’s background affect the selection process? These are the questions the morning’s session will investigate,” says Matt Adams, President at VAA. “This is a rare opportunity for artists to get inside the mind of a juror and learn how to make each submission the best.”

The 32nd Juried Open Exhibition of the Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) opens to the public on Wednesday, March 11 at Williams Tower, 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, 77056. The opening reception and awards presentation will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Williams Tower. The awards presentation, including more than $2,500 in cash prizes, is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The 32nd Juried Open Exhibition was open to VAA members and non-members. In all 598 entries were submitted by 165 artists from 17 states and one country outside the U.S. Noted independent art curator Sally Sprout will select he entries for the exhibition. The exhibition is open to the public through Saturday, April 11.

Ms. Sprout is an active member of the Houston art community, currently directing the exhibition program at the Williams Tower Gallery and acting as principal of Sally Sprout Fine Art consulting services. She has served as Curator of Exhibitions and Curator of the Collection for Transco Energy Company and also curated the sculpture program for The Woodlands Operating Company. Ms. Sprout has served on numerous art boards, including DiverseWorks Art Space Inc and Houston Center for Photography and is a frequent juror for city art organizations.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

Connecting Through Collecting to focus on works Lightman has acquired and how to build an art collection

On Wednesday, April 1, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents Connecting Through Collecting, an overview of the collection she and her husband Marshal have acquired over the years and an insight into how to build a personal art collection. The program is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1 at 5:45 p.m. at 5203 Gibson Street, 77007.

Victoria and her husband Marshal Lightman are active collectors who run Houston's Looking At Art project, an initiative that supports the local art scene by educating prospective collectors and connecting them with artists during visits to studios and exhibitions. Ms. Lightman is currently board president of the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts.

On Saturday, April 18 at Next Wall Gallery, member artists of the Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) will participate in a 12 hour (720 minute) pop-up fundraiser and mix-and-mingle for artists and patrons. Artists will begin painting, drawing, sculpting at 9 a.m., with work continuing throughout the day. An art720 reception will begin at 6 p.m. and all pieces created during the day will be available for sale for $100 each, including tax. All proceeds benefit VAA.

The public is invited to attend art720, observing and interacting with the artists as they create the art in the medium of their choice. All artwork will be for sale before, during and after they are complete. Guests can pop in and out throughout the day, and return during the reception to pick up or purchase work.

“We held our first art720 last year and it was great fun – and an excellent fund-raiser for VAA. Everyone who stopped by loved the opportunity to see how artists work. And then to have the opportunity to actually purchase an original art piece for only $100! It was a unique experience for all, not to mention a wonderful way to collect art, and get to know Houston artists in person,” says Matt Adams, President, Visual Arts Alliance.

Any artist that would like to participate can register by clicking here.

There is no charge to watch artists creating their works or to attend the reception. Reservations are not necessary. Next Wall Gallery is located at 1717 Michigan Street, 77006. For directions to the gallery, visit www.facebook.com/Next-Wall-Gallery.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

On Saturday, May 9, the Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) takes a comprehensive look at the contemporary art scene in Paris, guided by Anna Tahinci, PhD, who is professor and head of the Art History Department of the Glassell School of Art. Dr. Tahinci will present an in-depth consideration of Paris, a city that keeps renewing itself by constantly showcasing vibrant contemporary art. The lecture will be held at 10 a.m. in the Freed Auditorium of The Glassell School of Art, 5101 Montrose Boulevard, 77006.

Through virtual visits to both well-known Parisian contemporary art spaces (including the newly-inaugurated Louis Vuitton Foundation built by Frank Gehry) and hidden gems, Ms. Tahinci will analyze relational aesthetics and trace the history and culture of France in Paris. The VAA-sponsored lecture will also address the historical, financial, administrative and political challenges Paris is facing in the 21st century: globalization and export of French art and culture, the neglect of permanent collections in favor of blockbuster temporary exhibitions, the necessity of being profitable due to less governmental support and the requirements for introducing contemporary art in the context of a rich cultural heritage.

Ms. Tahinci, a native of Greece, studied history and archaeology in Athens and spent a total of 11 years in Paris, where she studied art history and comparative literature at the Sorbonne (Ph.D. on Rodin's collectors) and Museum Studies at the Ecole du Louvre. She has worked at the Musée Rodin, the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre and the Harvard Art Museum. Further credentials include teaching at Boston University Paris, the University of Minnesota, Macalester College in Minnesota and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She co-curated the sculpture exhibition that was organized in Athens for the Olympic Games in 2004 and the exhibition Rodin and America at the Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University in 2011.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) will host an opening reception for the 8th Juried Invitational Exhibition on Wednesday, May 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., with an awards presentation at 7 p.m. The exhibition will be on display through Saturday, August 1, at the 1600 Smith Street Gallery. The exhibition is juried by Chris Higham, noted Houston art collector and active volunteer in the Houston arts community.

Mr. Higham is a co-founder of an annual exhibition at Spring Street Studios and is a regular volunteer with the Bayou City Arts Festival, KUHF/Houston Public Media and Lawndale Art Center. Additionally, he conducts interviews of artists for Houston Art Showcase, a local organization that strives to ignite art appreciation and increase artistic standards in the local community, while providing opportunities to reach, develop and stimulate artists. The interviews can be seen on YouTube.

The public is invited to attend. The 1600 Smith Street Gallery is on the concourse of 1600 Smith Street, Houston, Texas 77002.

Visual Arts Alliance is hosting Cultured Cocktails on Thursday, May 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Members are encouraged to attend. Fresh Arts' Cultured Cocktails at Boheme Café & Wine Bar has become a popular weekly event and has grown tremendously over the past few years. In fact, Houston Press readers voted it “Best Happy Hour” in 2010. This weekly happy hour allows guests to get up close and personal with members of the arts and creative community, learning about cutting-edge work and the people behind it. Cultured Cocktails should be seen equally as a community building event and a fundraiser.

BASIC DETAILS ABOUT THE HAPPY HOUR:

* Cultured Cocktails takes place EVERY Thursday during the 5-7PM happy hour at Boheme Café & Wine Bar. Each Cultured Cocktails event features a different artist, arts organization or arts project.

* As the featured organization, Visual Arts Alliance will receive 10% of the drink sales within the 5-7PM time frame. Featured organizations benefit from EVERY person’s drink, even if they are not there specifically to support the group.

* Since its inception in 2008, Cultured Cocktails has raised more than $80,000 for Houston Area artists and arts organizations!

On Wednesday, June 3, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents Introduction to Artist Trading Cards, a lecture, demonstration and workshop by Keri Bas. The lecture will feature Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), a movement in which individuals throughout the world make and exchange/trade miniature works of art. The lecture is Wednesday, June 3 at 5:45 p.m. at Art Supply on Main, 2711 Main, 77002.

Ms. Bas will discuss the movement that has grown to include thousands of individuals who make and exchange ATCs. About the size of a baseball card, 2.5”x3.5”, the small-scale works of art are produced in a variety of media, depending on an artist’s preference. Some artists exchange ATCs and others sell their cards at Artist Card Editions and Originals (ACEOs). Other small-scale art trends that use similar techniques include Inchies, Postcard or Envelope Art.

During the VAA event, attendees will be able to create an ATC. “Bring your own materials or use some of mine,” says Ms. Bas. “Try collage, colored pencils, stencils, stamps, paint, textiles or whatever you have. The possibilities are limitless.” Ms. Bas recommends that artists bring their own scissors, x-acto knives and preferred glue.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

Visual Arts Alliance presents book signing and discussion of To Catch an Art Thief by author Vivian T-N Ho on Saturday, July 11

Discussion of the shady world of art thieves where masterpieces are currency

For its monthly program, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents a fascinating look into the art world’s dark underbelly, courtesy of Vivian T-N Ho, author of To Catch an Art Thief. The discussion will be held on Saturday, July 11, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Houston Public Library, Looscan Branch, 2510 Willowick Road, 77027.

The years surrounding 1985 were boom times for art thieves and Ms. Ho offers a unique view into this shady world of crooks, fences, and unscrupulous art dealers where masterpieces are the currency of choice. Writing as Vivian T-N Ho, artist and criminal justice scholar Dr. Truc-Nhu Ho reconstructs this dark period in art history, exploring the strategies and tactics used by art thieves, from simple shoplifting to elaborate burglary schemes. At the lecture she will also delve into the response of law enforcement to art-related crimes, recounting and reconstructing cases from the New York City Police Department.

There will be a book signing and Dr. Ho has offered to donate 15% of the sales to VAA.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

On Saturday, August 1, Visual Arts Alliance presents Digital Tools in Traditional Sculpture Making, a lecture by Houston artist and author Bridgette Mongeon. Ms. Mongeon, who is the author of 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft, will discuss the possibilities available for artists using 3D printing, sculpting, scanning and milling. The program begins at 9:45 a.m. at The Printing Museum, 1324 Clay Street, 77019.

Ms. Mongeon, a Houston resident, is a master sculptor with more than 20 years of experience in figurative sculpture. She writes and lectures about the arts, technology and marketing in the arts. She holds a master of fine arts degree in combining 3D technology and fine arts from Goddard College. Her most recent public art commission is the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a monumental bronze sculpture created in honor of the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s famous children’s book. The sculpture is intended for a Texas part and will be installed in 2016.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

Art leaders address the impact of these new developments devoted to the arts

As art and artists become part of the fabric of the city of Houston, arts districts nurturing creativity are popping up in all quadrants of the city. On Wednesday, September 2, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) gathers art leaders and district directors for a talk titled The Power of Three: New Arts Districts in Houston. The panel will address the impact of three of the city’s newest art developments, including the East End Arts District, the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District and the Washington Avenue Arts District. The presentation will begin at 5:45 p.m. in The Printing Museum, 1324 W. Clay Street, Houston, 77019.

The Director of the East End Cultural District, Diana Barber, will discuss Houston’s newest cultural district, which is rooted in one of the city’s oldest communities near Buffalo Bayou and the recently re-designed Guadalupe Plaza Park. The East End Cultural District is home to a number of historic sites and an impressive and ever-growing collection of visual and performing arts venues, artist studios, maker spaces, urban farms, iconic restaurants, outdoor murals and reimagined parks and public spaces such as The Esplanade at Navigation that serve as hubs for cultural activity.

Cynthia Alvarado and Vikki Trammell will represent the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District. Established in 2012, every form of art is represented in this community. Midtown has more than 170-art-based venues including studios, museums, galleries, theater groups, artist-in-residence programs, culinary arts, live music venues and art-related retailers. Midtown continues its commitment to the arts while working toward creating Houston as an arts destination.

The Washington Avenue Arts District will be represented by its Director, Susannah Mitchell. Home to several converted warehouse studio buildings with more than 250 studios of artists and creative entrepreneurs plus exhibition and event space, this District boasts what is believed to be the highest concentration of working artists in Texas. The area is also home to many individual artists’ residences, studios and arts-focused institutions such as Crockett Elementary, an award-winning fine arts school, and Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), a multicultural arts education and performance center.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

Visual Arts Alliance (VAA), one of the city’s leading art organizations, announces the opening of its 33rd Juried Membership Exhibition on Wednesday, September 23 in the Concourse Gallery at 1600 Smith Street. VAA received more than 450 submissions from 126 member artists. Juror for the exhibition is Gus Kopriva, owner of Redbud Gallery in Houston. Mr. Kopriva has selected 66 works that will be on display at 1600 Smith Street through Saturday, November 22.

The public is invited to the opening reception on Wednesday, September 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. Awards will be presented to the winning artists, including more than $2,500 in cash prizes. This is the 74th professionally juried exhibit which VAA has produced since its founding in 1981. No other community based arts organization has this amount of exhibition experience.

The 1600 Smith Street Gallery is on the concourse of 1600 Smith Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Do plan to arrive earlier rather than later, as access to the building becomes more difficult after business hours.

On Wednesday, October 7, Visual Arts Alliance invites Houstonians to take a free tour of the public art collection on the Rice University campus. The one-hour art walk begins at 5:15 p.m. and will be followed by attendance at the sunset light show at James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. The art walk will depart from the Twilight Epiphany, which is located directly behind the Shepherd School of Music.

The art walk will showcase pieces from Rice University’s public art collection, including:

James Surls’ The Tree, The Knot, Flower and Me. 2009

Jaume Plensa’s Mirror. 2011

Charles Mary Kubricht’s Paramuseum: Environmental Exigencies.2010

Geoffrey Dashwood’s Monumental Barn Owl.2009

Jim Love’s Jack. 1972

Aurora Robson’s Lift. 2009

Michael Heizer’s 45’, 90”, 180”.1984. (Time permitting.)

The art walk will conclude in time for guests to attend the 6:30 p.m. sunset light show at the Skyspace. There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required to attend the Skyspace light show. Reservations can be made, beginning Wednesday, September 23 at www.skyspace.rice.edu. The light show will end at approximately 7:10 p.m.

Guests are advised to wear suitable clothing for the weather, walking shoes and possibly bring bug spray. A snack and water bottle will be provided to attendees. Rain date is Wednesday, October 14.

Parking is available in West Lot 1, off Stockton near University Boulevard, in front of the Shepherd School of Music. There is a fee for parking. Guests should walk directly through the Shepherd School, exiting with the Skyspace structure in view.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

Tara Conley highlights VAA November program with on-site tour and discussion of her work saluting Houston police

On Saturday, November 7 at 9:45 a.m., Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents an in-depth look at Houston artist Tara Conley’s 35-piece permanent collection of sculptures that are installed at the South Gessner Police Station, in District 17 at 8605 Westplace, 77071. Located on the interior and exterior of the station, the work ranges from a monumental outdoor stainless steel sculpture, a welcoming stained glass sculpture in the lobby, to 33 cast bronze sayings woven throughout the building. Commissioned by Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) in partnership with the City of Houston, the permanent installation is the newest addition to the municipal art collection.

During the program, Ms. Conley will lead guests on a tour of the installation, with discussions about the meanings and inspirations for each. She was inspired by officers and citizens working together with patience, tolerance and vigilance to establish a safe and prosperous community. The sculptures transform, encourage and connect those to whom they tribute and will endure in their honor. Highlights of the installation include:

Towering 18-foot stainless steel outdoor sculpture at the front entrance of the station.We Are in the Business of Changing the World, SS is an abstract, honeycomb design that illustrates the relationship between police officers and the Houston community.

Second major work in the public lobby. We Are in the Business of Changing the World, SGis also a honeycomb design, composed of steel and colored glass which reference the diverse communities within District 17.

33 sculptural, hand-written phrases case in bronze that are located throughout the station.You Have the Right to Remain Silent presents 33 cast bronze phrases that Ms. Conley has collected for 15 years. The wise, witty, introspective and challenging phrases are found in public and private areas at the South Gessner Police Station.

As part of its educational outreach, VAA presents monthly programs that are open to the public. There is no charge to attend and registration is not necessary.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).

On Saturday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m., Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents Ryan N. Dennis, Public Art Director of Project Row Houses, who will describe the history and programs of this community-based arts and culture non-profit organization. Located in the Third Ward of Houston, Project Row Houses is one of the city’s oldest African American neighborhoods. The mission of Project Row Houses is to be the catalyst for transforming community through the celebration of art and African American history and culture.

Ms. Ryan will also provide an orientation to Round 43: Small Business/Big Change: Economic Perspectives from Artists and Artrepreneurs,currently on view, that examines the role of small business in the context of gentrification such as that happening in the Third Ward. The free talk will take place at Project Row Houses, 2521 Holman, 77004.

As part of its educational outreach, VAA presents monthly programs that are open to the public. There is no charge to attend and registration is not necessary.

VAA critiques are opportunities for artists to share their work with other artists. These are peer critiques in which everyone is invited to show work and discuss the work of others. You don’t have to bring work in order to show up.

Work can be in any medium and artists may bring 1 to 10 pieces. Participants will be allowed as much time as possible depending on how many people are showing work. Artists are encouraged to bring current pieces/projects they wish to discuss with others and get feedback on concept, technique, presentation, etc.

Drinks and snacks will be provided (feel free to bring and share, too).